MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (1996) Movie Review

★★★★☆

Although seeped in first album syndrome, Tom Cruise’s first mission as Ethan Hunt is an expertly directed (as expected from Brian De Palmer) adventure that relies on the nuances of filmmaking than colossal pageant. 

De Palma is one of the knights of the New Hollywood Order, so it’s no surprise he adds his pristine flavour of innovation to an action spy franchise. The opening sequence is brilliant in making viewers guess who’s meant to be the protagonist. The dialogue set pieces are terrific to exemplify tension, of which are some of the series’ best, such as Henry Czerny‘s vocals that feels like ceramic scrapping against concrete. He’s excellent as ever. And whilst this is far from the days of Christopher McQuarrie and Brad Bird, the descending sequence is heart stopper and one of the most iconic scenes of the series.

It’s definitely the entry I’ve watched the least though I do own it. It has that black sheep quality in how the others emphasise the action from the second one onwards, although it has more directorial credibility than that entry.

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